It is hard to believe, but Joshua trees are yuccas. The common name derives from a group of
Mormon settlers, one of whom felt that the tree’s upward-pointing branches reminded him of a
biblical story about Joshua, arms upraised in prayer. These trees are natives of the southwestern
United States.

Identification: Joshua trees are found alone or in groves
on desert plains, slopes and mesas in the Mojave Desert, or
Queen Valley and Lost Horse Valley in
Joshua Tree National Park. It is found at
elevations of 2000-6000' (609-1828 m). Trees are 15-40' (4.6-12 m) high, and 12-36" (30-91 cm)
around. Bell-shaped, cream-colored blossoms are 1¼-1½" (3.2-3.8 cm) around. They occur in
dense clusters up to 18" (45 cm) long. Fruits are light brown to reddish capsules, 2½-5" (6.3-12 cm) ×
2" (5 cm), with six cells.